Muhammad: The Ideal Character
MUHAMMAD The Ideal Character
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obligations and do the work of the household.
When you are going to sleep, recite ‘Glory to God’
33 times, ‘Praise to God’ 33 times and ‘God is Great’
34 times. That would be much better than having a
servant.” Fatima replied that what was pleasing to
God and the Prophet was likewise pleasing to her.
The truth which was revealed to the Prophet was
that the universe did not spring up by itself without
a Creator, that Almighty God is the Master of all
things, that all men are His creatures and servants
and, as such, are responsible to Him and, most
important of all, that death does not mean
annihilation: on the contrary it is the gateway to a
permanent life in another world which is replete
with every bliss. For the good, there is the blessing
of paradise and for the evil-doers, there is the agony
of hell. God having ordained that this truth should
be widely proclaimed for the guidance of mankind,
the Prophet scaled the heights of the rock of Safa
and addressed the throngs assembled there: “By
God, you have to die as you sleep, and rise again
after death as you wake up. Accordingly, you will
have to render an account of your deeds. Good
deeds will be amply rewarded and evil deeds will
